Last year I posted two unidentified photographs that I wished to identify. The photographer was based in the Dutch towns of Utrecht and Den Haag (The Hague). Both photographs seemed to have the same props, so it was likely that they were taken around the same time at the same photography studio.
But they sure looked different. One looked as if the subject could have lived three hundred years ago. The other looked more turn-of-the-century.
Thanks to a Dutch reader, Hubert Theuns, I learned much information about the photos. In particular, he discovered that the older style outfit was the traditional costume of Cadzand, a small town in the Dutch province of Zeeland. In 2007 Cadzand had about 800 inhabitants. He told me that the photographer, Cornelis Johannes Lodewicus Vermeulen, was born in Utrecht 18.11.1861 and died in Hilversum 05.01.1936. Photographs from the period 1886-1915 can be found athttps://rkd.nl/nl/explore/portraits#query=cjl+vermeulen&start=0&filters%5Bcollectienaam%5D%5B%5D=RKD%20%28Collectie%20Iconografisch%20Bureau%29
Here are the two photos–first the more “modern” looking one and then the “traditional costume” photo.
Look at this amazing costume. It looks so Puritan to me.
Here are the backs of the photos:
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- Back of 3 people photo
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- Back of Cadzand lady photo
Note that they both have the 3 digit telephone numbers. According to the research of Hubert Theuns:
The telephone was introduced at The Hague on July 1, 1883, and at Utrecht in February 1883. There used to be local telephone directories, but I have not (yet) found any on the internet. National telephone directories were published as from 1901. The collection of national telephone directories from 1901 till 1950 are being digitalised by the dutch national library, but unfortunately this process has found delays. Only the national directory of 1915 is available on the internet, and shows that the photographer in 1915 in Utrecht had the same three digit number as mentioned on the photograph, but that his number in The Hague already had four digits.
Hubert narrowed down the time period to pre WWI.
Now he has been able to get these photos published in a newsletter of the city of Goes, as well as its website! Check it out: IDENTIFY THESE PHOTOS.
Eventually these photos WILL be identified! I am so grateful to Hubert. He is a reminder that genealogy is a collaboration of many people. It’s not a a selfish interest.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me with my research! I think of you all with fondness!
The Family Kalamazoo 
Isn’t it amazing when we connect with people from all over the world who are willing to help? I’d never have gotten nearly as far in my research without my contacts in Germany. Good luck! I am sure you will figure this one out.
It is so amazing. I am thrilled with all the help from all the generous spirits. Sometimes it seems as if “everyone” in the Netherlands is interested in genealogy!!!
I bet Europeans have greater interest since for many, their families have lived in the same place for centuries.
I think you are probably right. The records seem more organized, too.
What a great help Hubert was able to give you. As I was reading this I recalled the many times someone was able to help me. Genealogy research is made much easier when we help each other. Now I really wonder who those people were.
It was so sweet of him! It really is a group project, isn’t it?
Hah, I know. Someday the answer will arrive!
This is fantastic! And it gives me hope… I have several unidentified photos, as well.
Isn’t it though?! Yes, don’t stop searching. Eventually so much is uncovered! The past reveals itself . . . .
Remarkable project!
It’s so exciting to see the photos on their website!
What a great help Hubert’s been here, Luanne. (I’m quite frankly amazed at your combined sleuthing efforts. 😉 Go you two! 🙂 )
The Kindness Of Strangers is one of the things so special to me about genealogy research. Early on in my g.-research “life,” a “complete stranger” at the time — she turned out to be about an 8th cousin… 🙂 — made up a chart of my Norsk line right up to a woman referenced in the centuries-old “Heimskringla.” ONnnnn… Banner paper, LOL — mailing it to me!
You & Hubert will i.d. these folks yet. 😉
Oh, Susan, lucky you! What an absolute treasure! Thank you–I hope the mystery will finally be solved.
I love friendly, sharing, collaborative genealogists–people who hoard, are greedy with info, and throw out smoke screens or try to copyright relatives–well–they’re just poo poo heads! Yay for the 99% nice ones 🙂
Are you in the Facebook Ancestry group? I think that’s the one where people sometimes complain about their work being stolen by others. I understand that when someone goes to publish they want to keep the results private until then. But some of the people who complain the most have the least to complain about ;).
No, I don’t subject myself 🙂 I have enough sparky relatives and every workshop I do seems to draw in one the stingy “wronged” ones 😂
Oh no . . . .
Wonderful post, Luanne. I love that you have help from someone in the Netherlands. That will greatly speed up the process. I had a similar experience when I met my Italian relatives who stayed in their small town and didn’t immigrate to America. It all happened when I connected with a cousin I found on Facebook. He met us when we came to Italy and introduced us to relatives in my grandfather’s village. It was wonderful to piece together the missing history.
I am new to sharing my work and asking for help on forums but you give me courage to continue. How wonderful that you received help from another country – the power of the community!
It’s true. Without the help I’ve received from others, I would know half of what I know now.